The Melbourne Vixens just outlasted the NSW Swifts in a rip-roaring Suncorp Super Netball Round 5 clash at Ken Rosewall Arena on Sunday.
Despite being down by nine goals midway through the third period, the Swifts came storming back to head to the final break on even terms in front of almost 6,000 fans.
The 61-59 score-line told the story of a contest that ebbed and flowed all afternoon but it was the Vixens who did just enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the year.
The result means the Swifts have lost back-to-back matches for the first time in 2024, however they will remain in the competition top-four heading into next weekend’s Round 6 Derby clash with the Giants.
Missing co-captain Maddy Proud, who was ruled out with a knee complaint, and handing a Super Netball debut to Riverina youngster Grace Whyte, Briony Akle’s side didn’t look as composed as their opponents at times but they grew as the contest reached its endgame.
Entering the last five minutes the result hung in the balance and when some vital Super Shots failed to stick with two minutes on the clock, it enabled the Vixens to take possession and play down time intelligently.
Despite the loss, Akle was positive in the post-game media conference.
“Although we lost, I was much more pleased with the effort for 60 minutes than we’ve had in the past,” she said.
“Loads of positive for us. I though the defence end did a great job and there’s a lot to take away.
“I think the Vixens did a really good job of pushing us back up court off second phase in attack and for us it’s about controlling the ball and treasuring possession.”
A thrilling first half left both teams breathless at the big break. The Vixens were quick to pounce on a Swifts error off the opening centre pass of the game, but despite taking an early lead the visitors couldn’t put much daylight between themselves and their hosts.
In terms of pressure the Vixens defense of Emily Mannix and Jo Weston, aided well by former Swifts Premiership champion Kate Eddy, were doing a good job of putting immense pressure on the NSW attack. Meanwhile up front another former Swifts champion, Sophie Garbin, was connecting brilliantly with fellow Diamonds attacker Keira Austin.
It looked like the Vixens were edging the contest overall but star Swifts shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph soon started to make good movement out of the circle to provide her midcourt with extra options when the Vixens pressed on the circle edge.
Paige Hadley and Lili Gorman-Brown demonstrated good patience and when Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner generated fine turnover possession the Swifts were converting.
Helen Houby and Sophie Fawns responded in kind when Garbin and Austin landed from range in the Power Five periods and at halftime the Vixens only led by one goal (31-30).
The second half followed a similar pattern, with little to separate these two great rivals, however, the day would belong to the Vixens.
It means they have placed one hand on the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup, however, the Swifts can retain it if they beat the Vixens but three goals or more in Melbourne later this year.
MATCH STATS
